This edition's featured projects reflect the remarkable breadth of Yildiz Technical University's research engagement — bringing together work that spans environmental education, smart infrastructure, and everything in between. Both projects are internationally funded, underscoring the university's growing presence in the global research landscape: one empowers the next generation to become advocates for water and ocean health across Europe; another reimagines the buildings we inhabit every day, making them more responsive to the people within them. Together, they illustrate a shared commitment to research that is not only scientifically rigorous but meaningfully connected to the challenges of the world we live in.

The SHORE project is an international initiative supported by Horizon Europe that aims to empower students as active agents of change in the field of water and ocean literacy. To date, more than 100 schools across Europe have participated in the project, and over 300 student-centered activities and implementations have been carried out. Through these activities, more than 6,000 students and teachers have been reached directly, while the indirect impact has extended to a much wider audience.

During the project, numerous local environmental projects developed by students have been shared on the SHORE digital platform and disseminated as examples of good practices. In addition, through international events, training sessions, and dissemination activities, a strong collaboration network has been established among stakeholders from different countries.

SHORE has not only raised awareness but also presented a model that encourages young people to develop concrete solutions to environmental challenges, producing measurable outputs and creating a sustainable impact.

While SHORE focuses on empowering individuals through education and community-driven environmental action, the SUSTAIN (Smart Building Sensitive to Daily Sentiment) project shifts the perspective toward technological innovation — exploring how intelligent systems can enhance everyday living environments by responding to human needs. SUSTAIN is funded under the EIC Pathfinder programme — a European Innovation Council initiative designed to support high-risk, potentially transformative early-stage research. EIC Pathfinder projects are notably rare in Türkiye, making SUSTAIN a particularly valuable achievement.

The project’s central proposition challenges a foundational assumption of building automation: that physical sensor data alone is sufficient to optimise indoor environments. SUSTAIN proposes an additional layer of intelligence — one that incorporates anonymised behavioural and sentiment signals drawn from occupant interaction patterns, movement data, and aggregated feedback. Lighting, thermal comfort, ventilation, and shared space management are adjusted not only in response to environmental measurements, but in alignment with the broader wellbeing and satisfaction tendencies of building users.

This approach reframes resilience in critical infrastructure: rather than buildings that are merely robust, SUSTAIN envisions spaces that are adaptive and human-aware — optimising both comfort and efficiency in everyday use as well as during crises.

Rigorous attention to data privacy underpins the entire system architecture. Behavioural inputs are processed exclusively through privacy-preserving computation and anonymisation techniques, ensuring that enhanced responsiveness is achieved without exposure of individual-level data. In doing so, SUSTAIN contributes a replicable model for ethically grounded, human-aware smart infrastructure.

Patents & Technology Transfer

Yildiz Technical University continues to foster innovation and translational research, with its faculty and researchers actively developing patented technologies that address real-world challenges in medicine and beyond.

In some surgical procedures, under the current state of practice, the precise inflation and deflation of delicate tissue is primarily performed manually using a simple syringe. This relies on the operator's skill. In such manual operations, applying high pressure during inflation and negative pressure during deflation can damage the tissue, while inflating at insufficient pressure increases the risk of the surgical procedure not achieving its purpose. The difference between this invention, the "Pressure and Image Feedback Syringe Pump" system, and existing manually operated devices is that it utilizes a servo motor-driven syringe pump with an endoscopy camera and pressure sensor feedback controller structure, enabling precise tissue inflation and deflation. Furthermore, thanks to the pressure sensor and an endoscopy camera, the course of the surgical intervention can be monitored in real-time on the screen, allowing for safer management of the surgical process. This will enable optimal and error-free tissue inflation and deflation before surgery (e.g., in vocal cord surgeries), thus minimizing associated risks in the relevant surgical procedures.

Extending beyond healthcare applications, YTU’s innovation ecosystem also addresses challenges in industrial safety, as demonstrated by the following technology developed within its technopark environment. Metadiag, a technology company operating at YTU Technopark, has developed the patented invention titled “A Safety and Analysis System and Method for Dump Trucks”, introducing an intelligent safety solution designed to reduce rollover risks and improve operational safety in dump truck operations.

The system uses advanced sensor technologies to continuously monitor critical parameters such as tilt angle, vehicle speed, location, load cover status, dump body position, and in-vehicle CANBUS data. By analyzing these inputs in real time, it detects potentially hazardous conditions before they turn into accidents. In critical situations, the system can automatically activate driver warnings and safety interventions, including preventing unsafe dump body lifting, lowering the dump body when risk is detected, and supporting engine protection functions.

With its sensor-based architecture, black box data recording capability, and machine learning–supported analytics, the system not only helps prevent accidents but also provides valuable operational insights for fleet safety, maintenance planning, and performance optimization. Designed for construction, excavation, mining, and heavy-duty field operations, the solution contributes to safer worksites, reduced human-error-related risks, and more reliable fleet operations.

By combining real-time risk detection, automated intervention, and data-driven analysis, Metadiag’s patented dump truck safety system represents an important step toward smarter, safer, and more efficient heavy vehicle operations.

International Events & Conferences

Yildiz Technical University continues to strengthen its position as a leading hub for international scientific exchange, hosting two major conferences this spring that bring together researchers and professionals from around the globe.

The International Conference on Energy Systems (ICES 2026) kicks off on May 3, 2026 at Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye, running through May 6. This international conference brings together researchers, scientists, engineers, and policymakers to exchange ideas and share the latest advances in energy technologies, systems, and applications.

ICES 2026 focuses on a broad spectrum of topics in energy systems, including sustainable and renewable energy technologies, energy conversion, storage, and efficiency, smart and resilient energy infrastructure, and emerging challenges and innovations in energy research.

Selected high-quality papers presented at the conference will be considered for publication in reputable journals such as International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and Energy Storage, following extended peer review.

The university's role as an international scientific venue continues later in the month, as Yildiz Technical University's Davutpaşa Campus welcomes the 7^th International Applied Statistics Congress (UYIK-2026, from the Turkish Uygulamalı İstatistik Kongresi), to be held from May 11–13, 2026. Centered around the theme “Reliability and Verifiability in Artificial Intelligence: The Role of Statistics,” the congress aims to explore critical solutions to modern data science challenges through a statistical lens. Organized under the auspices of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University in collaboration with TurkStat and the Turkish Statistical Association, this hybrid event will bring together academics, researchers, and industry professionals from across the globe in the historic atmosphere of Istanbul.

Covering a broad spectrum of applied statistics — from data-driven decision-making to the verification of AI algorithms — the congress offers participants the opportunity to keep pace with theoretical innovations and establish interdisciplinary networks. Sessions will be conducted in both English and Turkish. Offering flexibility through both in-person and online participation options, UYIK-2026 invites all stakeholders who wish to shape the future of statistical science and share global developments to join this scientific gathering.

Yıldız Technical University continues to expand its global research footprint through strategic international collaborations that address some of today’s most pressing technological and societal challenges. As a partner in the SADIT-MAR (Safe Digital Transformation in the Maritime Industry) initiative, supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Yıldız Technical University contributes to advancing a safer, more resilient, and inclusive digital transformation in the maritime sector.

Through interdisciplinary research, international conferences, workshops, and training programmes, the network will address key challenges related to maritime safety, cyber resilience, autonomous systems, and digital risk management. Running from September 2025 to August 2027, the project aims to strengthen global collaboration and develop knowledge frameworks to support a safer, more resilient digital maritime ecosystem.

Extending this global engagement into the field of sustainable energy, Yıldız Technical University also takes a leading role in European research and innovation initiatives. The ECHO project “ Energy Communities Excellence Hubs: Catalyzing Energy Innovation Ecosystems” funded under Horizon Europe with a budget of approximately €5 million and coordinated by Yıldız Technical University, introduces a comprehensive approach to the energy transition by addressing not only technological challenges but also social, economic, and governance dimensions. The project aims to establish Excellence Hubs in Türkiye, Greece, and Portugal to strengthen energy communities and foster sustainable, inclusive, and scalable local energy ecosystems.

The project places strong emphasis on capacity building and stakeholder empowerment. Through targeted training programmes, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities, ECHO equips municipalities, cooperatives, SMEs, and citizens with the skills and tools needed to actively participate in the energy transition, while also fostering a culture of collaboration and participatory governance.

ECHO-TR operates as a coordination and innovation platform addressing key challenges in Türkiye, including regulatory gaps, limited technical capacity, financial barriers, and low awareness. By combining evidence-based policymaking with bottom-up engagement and real-life pilot actions, ECHO-TR enables local actors to become active designers and beneficiaries of the energy transition.

Patents & Technology Transfer

Advancing from fundamental research to real-world applications, Yıldız Technical University continues to strengthen its impact through high-value patents and innovative technology transfer initiatives. By bridging cutting-edge science with industrial and societal needs, these developments not only contribute to global scientific progress but also pave the way for next-generation solutions across diverse fields—from photonics and advanced materials to nanomedicine and targeted therapeutics.

The invention titled “Electronically Controlled Dielectric Huygens Resonator Spatial Light Modulator” has been filed for patent registration in Turkey. This invention introduces an innovative device design that enables precise electronic control over the spatial properties of light.

At the core of the invention lie specially designed Huygens resonators made from dielectric materials. These resonators can simultaneously manipulate both the electric and magnetic components of light. Offering a more efficient, compact structure than conventional light modulators, this technology holds significant potential for applications in advanced imaging systems, optical communications, holography, and laser technologies.

Building on this advancement in light-based technologies, the next study reflects YTU’s work in nanotechnology, focusing on innovative approaches to cancer treatment. In the patented study titled “Photochemically Prepared Monodisperse Gold Nanoparticles as Doxorubicin Carrier and its Cytotoxicity on Leukemia Cancer Cells”, a novel thioxanthone derivative, 3,3′-disulfanediylbis(1-hydroxy-9H-thioxanthen-9-one) ([OH-TX-S-]₂), was employed as an in situ photochemical reducing agent for the synthesis of monodisperse gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The successful formation of AuNPs was initially confirmed by the appearance of a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 535 nm, accompanied by a distinct pink coloration. The particle size distribution of the synthesized AuNPs was further analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), yielding an average particle size of approximately 30 nm and a relatively narrow polydispersity index, consistent with the observed SPR band.

Following nanoparticle formation, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOXO) was loaded onto the AuNPs at varying concentrations. The adsorption and release profiles of DOXO were quantitatively evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy using a previously established calibration curve. The cytotoxic activity of DOXO-loaded AuNPs was investigated via MTT assays on HL-60 and K562 leukemia cell lines. The results demonstrated that treatment with 5 µL of DOXO-loaded AuNPs resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability, indicating the potential of this system as an effective drug-delivery platform.

International Events & Conferences

Yıldız Technical University continues to strengthen its international research presence by hosting and contributing to major global conferences across engineering, architecture, and interdisciplinary sciences. In 2026, the university will be involved in two prominent international events that bring together leading researchers and industry experts from around the world.

The 11^th International Conference on Ships and Offshore Structures (ICSOS 2026) will be hosted by Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 4–7 October 2026. The conference will bring together researchers and industry experts working on ships, offshore structures, and maritime technologies.

ICSOS 2026 will provide an international platform to discuss advances in ship design, offshore engineering, marine hydrodynamics, renewable energy technologies, and digital maritime systems, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, and autonomous vessels. Selected high-quality papers will be promoted to special issues of the Journal of Ships and Offshore Structures (Taylor & Francis) and the Seatific Journal, offering participants a fast-track publication opportunity.

In addition to hosting major conferences, Yıldız Technical University also contributes to leading international scientific events through academic collaboration and partnerships. The 16^th Constructal Law Conference (CLC2026) will take place 12–15 October 2026 at the Paris-Malaquais School of Architecture – PSL University in Paris, France, in collaboration with Yıldız Technical University. The conference marks the 30th anniversary of Constructal Law, the scientific principle that explains how natural and human-made flow systems evolve to facilitate easier access to flows of energy, materials, and information.

Under the theme “Design in Nature: The Evolution of Designs”, the conference will bring together researchers and practitioners from diverse fields—including engineering, biology, architecture, urban planning, economics, and the arts—to explore the evolution of natural and designed systems. The event will highlight interdisciplinary perspectives on flow structures in nature, sustainable design, urban systems, energy and economic networks, and the relationship between science, technology, and culture.

We warmly invite researchers, institutions, and industry partners worldwide to connect with YTU for collaborative opportunities.

Featured Research Projects

At Yildiz Technical University, research is not only an academic pursuit but also a catalyst for sustainable transformation and global collaboration. Through internationally funded projects and strategic partnerships, YTU continues to generate high-impact solutions addressing energy transition, climate resilience, advanced technologies, and sustainable development.

ECO-SPHERE – Circular Economy for the Sustainable Earth Spheres: Geosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere & Atmosphere is a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND programme dedicated to advancing circular economy and sustainable product design. Coordinated in part by Yildiz Technical University, it offers 24 postdoctoral fellowships of 24 months across key sustainability research areas, including eco-design, energy, water and wastewater management, material recovery, climate policy, business models, and waste management.

ECO-SPHERE aims to strengthen Europe’s expert capacity in circular economy research while supporting the European Green Deal, the UN SDGs, and the Paris Agreement. The programme targets resource- and energy-intensive sectors such as electronics, automotive, plastics, construction, food, water, and energy. With a human-centric perspective, it promotes solutions that integrate People, Planet, and Profit, empowering consumers and cities to benefit from circular transformation.

Beyond this programme, YTU is also actively involved in innovative Horizon Europe projects focused on sustainability and clean energy solutions. PV4Plants (AgriPV system with climate, water, and light spectrum control for safe, healthier, and improved crops production) is an ambitious Horizon Europe initiative focused on agrivoltaics, the simultaneous use of land for renewable energy generation and high-quality agricultural production. With contributions from Yildiz Technical University, the project develops and demonstrates adaptable photovoltaic systems that optimize light transmission and crop-growing conditions while generating clean energy.

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Its innovations include luminescent glass colour converters designed as spectral-conversion layers that simultaneously support crop growth and photovoltaic performance, multi-indicator real-time monitoring systems, and highly replicable demonstration sites in Türkiye, Spain, and Denmark.

The project also emphasizes recyclability, sustainability standards, and policy recommendations to accelerate the adoption of agrivoltaic technologies across diverse climates and agricultural contexts.

Patents & Technology Transfer

Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, innovation, and technology transfer, YTU advances globally relevant solutions by transforming scientific excellence into high-value patented technologies. The patented invention, “A Drug for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer,” developed at YTU, introduces an indium (III) phthalocyanine–based anticancer compound designed for photodynamic therapy. When activated by light, the compound selectively triggers cell death in cervical cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Positioned within pharmaceutical technology, biomedical science, and medical chemistry, this innovation offers a more targeted and potentially lower–side-effect alternative to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Its compatibility with photodynamic therapy enables precise cancer cell targeting, presenting a promising and effective treatment pathway for cervical cancer.

Complementing its progress in precision oncology, YTU further reinforces its leadership in biomedical innovation through advanced biofabrication technologies designed for personalized and minimally invasive therapeutic applications.

The patented invention titled “Production of Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery by Dynamic Light Processing,” developed under the direction of Prof. Dr. Cem Bülent Üstündağ at YTU, introduces a high-precision, mold-free DLP 3D printing platform for biodegradable hydrogel microneedle patches. Originating from the TymPatch project, the technology enables personalized GelMA/KerMA-based patches designed for the non-surgical treatment of acute and chronic eardrum perforations.

Loaded with therapeutic agents via electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA), the biofunctional and biodegradable patch integrates seamlessly with the tympanic membrane, eliminating the need for a secondary surgical intervention. This minimally invasive and scalable innovation represents a significant step forward in personalized medicine and targeted drug delivery.

International Events & Conferences

In the coming days, YTU will host two important international congresses, welcoming researchers and professionals from around the world to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaboratively shape the future of energy and sustainable food systems.

International Conference on Energy Systems, ICES 2026 will be held from May 3–6, 2026 at Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye. This premier international forum brings together researchers, scientists, engineers, and policymakers to exchange ideas and share the latest advances in energy technologies, systems, and applications.

ICES 2026 focuses on a broad spectrum of topics in energy systems, including but not limited to:

• Sustainable and renewable energy technologies

• Energy conversion, storage, and efficiency

• Smart and resilient energy infrastructure

• Emerging challenges and innovations in energy research

Selected high-quality papers presented at the conference will be considered for publication in reputable journals such as International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and Energy Storage following extended peer review.

The International Food Innovation and Sustainability Congress (IFIS 2026) is a major interdisciplinary event hosted by the Yildiz Technical University Department of Food Engineering, taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye on 7–9 May 2026. It brings together researchers, industry professionals, students, and policymakers to address key advances in food science, sustainability, and technology.

IFIS fosters multidisciplinary exchange across topics such as food innovation, sustainable food systems, safety and processing technologies, biotechnology, digitalisation, AI applications, sustainable packaging, nutritional innovation, and life cycle analysis. The congress emphasizes real-world impact and industry–university collaboration through presentations, networking sessions, and visibility opportunities for emerging researchers.